Grant: Project Grant

Context differs between settings and changes over time, making its measurement critical to knowledge mobilization (KMb). However, a robust instrument to measure context in healthcare is lacking. In our previous work, we clarified what comprises context, resulting in the development of the Implementation in CONtext (ICON) Framework. ICON is comprehensive; it comprises 3 levels, 6 domains, 22 attributes, and >100 context features. We then conducted a scoping review of context instruments. Only a small number (n=13) of valid and reliable instruments were identified, and they measured only a few (5 of the 22) ICON attributes. We therefore developed an initial version of a single assessment instrument that is based on ICON. The instrument is designed for use by both KMb practitioners and researchers to assess context in any healthcare setting. In the proposed research, we will refine and evaluate the ICON instrument through four consecutive steps. In Step 1, we will assess the items contained in the ICON instrument for relevance to the ICON attributes. This will be done in a Delphi study with international expert panels. In Step 2, we will conduct cognitive interviews with frontline healthcare providers (the target population for completing the instrument) to assess their understanding of the meaning of the instrument's items. Following the interviews, experts will assess the pragmatic properties of the instrument. In Step 3, we will evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument via surveys with frontline healthcare providers. In Step 4, we will develop a user manual for the instrument. At the end of the project, we will hold a series of interactive workshops to widely disseminate the instrument. Lack of a comprehensive yet practical instrument that measures context risks failed KMb efforts; the ICON instrument will fill this critical gap.